Asymmetric pyrene derivatives having specific structure. An organic EL device comprising at least one organic thin film layer including a light emitting layer sandwiched between a pair of electrode consisting of an anode and a cathode, wherein the organic thin film layer comprises at least one kind selected from the aforementioned asymmetric pyrene derivatives singly or as a component of mixture thereof. An organic EL device exhibiting a great efficiency of light emission and having a long lifetime, and also asymmetric pyrene derivatives for realizing the organic EL device are provided.